POLITICS

Noem Visits Borders, Cites Declines in Encounters Nationwide

PUBLISHED Feb 4, 2026, 11:28 AM ET

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Noem Visits Borders, Cites Declines in Encounters Nationwide

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Center 67%

Right 33%

Sources: 6

Nogales, Arizona — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the U.S.-Mexico border this week, praising Department of Homeland Security and border agents for reduced encounters and outlining prior investments. Noem cited a 95 percent drop in daily encounters and an average apprehension decline from 5,100 to under 250 per day, and claimed a 30 percent reduction in fentanyl deaths. Her visit followed scrutiny over a $70 million warehouse purchase and protests after recent immigration raids. She also briefly toured northern border facilities in Grand Forks to discuss UAS support and border technology. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

October: DHS announced $4.5 billion for 'smart wall' construction.
January–early February: Local immigration raids at Zipps Sports Grill led to protests and scrutiny.
Early February: Reporting identified a $70 million DHS warehouse purchase in Surprise, Arizona.
Feb. 4–5, 2025: Secretary Noem held a press event in Nogales and cited enforcement statistics.
Feb. 5, 2025: Noem visited Grand Forks for a roundtable on UAS technology and northern border security.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 4
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 67%, Right 33%

Who Benefited

Federal law enforcement agencies, including Customs and Border Protection and Border Patrol, gained public visibility and political support following Noem's visits and public statements emphasizing enforcement and technological investments.

Who Impacted

Undocumented migrants, individuals detained in immigration operations, and communities affected by raids faced enforcement actions, public scrutiny, and potential civil liberties concerns during the period described.